An English theoretical physicist and cosmologist Hawking's key scientific works to date have included theoretical prediction that black holes in the universe should emit radiation, which is today known as Hawking radiation. So, up until this whole God and Heaven thing he pretty much focused on Black Holes in outer space and the dangers inherent from flying your space ship way too close to them. I guess.

Leaving the entire concept of organized religion out of the argument I would like to ask Dr. Hawking how things got started in the first place. I’m going to assume that he will answer with unconditional support for The Big Bang Theory. This is the theory that suggests an explosion occurred 13.7 billion years ago. I’m betting that the explosion was on a Friday. Who wouldn’t need a couple days off after that kind of commotion?

Now, what exactly was it that exploded? Experts like Hawking are always telling us that “gasses” exploded. Ok, where did the “gasses” come from? It’s a fair question. If I was created by gasses I’d like to know what kind of gasses and I’d like to know a little more about my body’s natural flammability. Who wouldn’t? I use my BBQ lighter on windy days.

Tell you what, Dr. Hawking. If your theory is that the gasses were just always there and then they blew up, you are welcome to embrace that. Here’s what I embrace; I look into my puppy’s eyes just before he nibbles my nose, I see couples walking on the beach holding hands after 50 years of marriage, I have a chipmunk that climbs into my shirt pocket for a peanut and every time I see the most beautiful sunset of all time a better one is right around the corner.

Floods and earthquakes wipe out cities that get rebuilt by donations from people all over the world…..most of whom have never been to the damaged city nor know a single soul who lives there. Nobody teaches a baby how to laugh, we fall in love without warning, and our tears can comfort sorrow or reward joy while strengthening our souls. Science still can’t locate or dissect our souls. I wonder why.

I don’t think the world I observe was created by “gasses”. I believe in God. But I can’t prove my belief in God any better than Hawking can prove his gasses were always there until one they just “blowed up”. Although the evidence for my argument can be overwhelming. And it can be overwhelming every day if you just look for it.

Oh, and another thing, Hawking! This whole “no Heaven” thing you’re on about can do some real damage. What do we put on top of our Christmas trees? Have you given that one any thought? Angels come from Heaven, Steve. No Heaven means - no angels. A lot of us put angels on top of our Christmas trees. What goes on top of your tree? Oprah? Princes Leia? Not the same thing is it? No, I didn’t think so.

Well, it’s been a real “gas” ranting on you, Dr. Hawking. I’ll conclude here by bowing to freedom of choice. You are free to choose what you believe in and choose what you teach. For myself, I choose to (wait for it) just “pass on the gasses”.